The University of Southern Maine’s Computer Science Department recently celebrated a major achievement at the International Conference on Intelligent Computing and Information Technology (ICICT) 2026, where students presented two research papers, and one undergraduate student received the Best Oral Presentation Award.
Colby Wirth, an undergraduate student, earned the top recognition for his presentation of the paper “Efficient Human Action Recognition with Mixed-Precision V-JEPA on Embedded Devices.” The research explores advanced deep learning techniques for performing human action recognition on embedded devices with limited computational resources. Conducted under the mentorship of Dr. Xin Zhang and Dr. Yuqi Song, Wirth’s work demonstrates how efficient AI models can bridge the gap between academic research and practical applications. His award highlights not only the quality of the research but also the clarity, professionalism, and depth of understanding he conveyed to an international audience. By presenting complex technical material in an accessible and engaging manner, Wirth exemplified the department’s emphasis on developing students who are not only capable researchers but also effective communicators, able to share their findings with peers, faculty, and professionals in the global computer science community.
Graduate student Wyatt McCurdy also presented a first-author paper titled “RCDN: Real-Centered Detection Network for Robust Face Forgery Identification.” McCurdy’s research focuses on enhancing the robustness of face forgery detection by emphasizing stable representations of authentic images. This work addresses an increasingly critical area of digital security and online trust, as the proliferation of manipulated images and deepfakes presents serious challenges for social media, news verification, and cybersecurity. By improving detection accuracy and model reliability, McCurdy’s research contributes to both academic knowledge and potential practical applications in protecting information integrity in real-world digital environments.
Both projects showcase the department’s commitment to involving students in meaningful, high-impact research and providing opportunities for international academic collaboration. Students gained valuable experience presenting their work to peers and experts from around the world, reinforcing the department’s focus on mentorship, innovation, and professional development.
These achievements demonstrate the University of Southern Maine’s dedication to fostering student-led research, advancing knowledge in artificial intelligence and cybersecurity, and preparing students to make significant contributions to the broader field of computer science. The recognition of Wirth’s work at ICICT 2026 underscores the value of undergraduate research experiences and the potential for students to excel on a global stage.
